I like to think I work out regularly. Or maybe I just dress in workout clothes regularly. Either way, the new Xpress tank from Greenstyle is my new fave!
I made three versions during testing. The first is a orchid (maybe? I’m famous for killing plants, so feel free to correct me) print ITY with a curved back. I’d say “tulip” back, but that might be extending the floral metaphor a bit too far.
I picked up the fabric at a swap meet in San Diego- if you’re ever in the area, you HAVE to make time to go- everything is $1 a yard, and some of it is really amazing quality.
This one yard piece has sat in my stash, despite the beautiful print, because I wasn’t quite sure what to make with such a small cut. Since the Xpress takes less than a yard, and only has 1 pattern piece, it was perfect for showcasing the flowers (I HATE when a seam runs down the middle of a flower, don’t you?), and for the amount I had purchased.
I’m wearing it with a lacy bralette from Target- one of my favorite styles. Since bra making is on my list of sewing skills to conquer this year, I’m hoping ot make my own version soon!
The ITY is super cool and slinky feeling, and my new coverstitch hemmed it like a champ- no tunneling or skipped stitches!
I did make a forward shoulder alteration on this one- an adjustment that I know I need, but am often too lazy to execute. I felt like it was important on this tank- if the shoulders sit too far back, it will affect how the armholes sit, and make the neck too high. I took 2″ off the front straps, and .5″ off the back straps in the size XXS.
Since this pattern goes together in about 30 minutes, from cut to hem, I was able to whip out a couple more. During the testing, Angelyn added an additional size not previosuly seen on Greenstyle patterns- a 3XS. The bust measurement for this size is 31″, and that’s what I measure in my sports bra, so it was perfect. I was able to take a little less off the straps for my forward shoulders in this size, and still get a good fit around the arms- only 1″ off the front and 1/2″ off the back.
The magenta fabric is a circular-like knit from Peak Fabrics– they ship from Canada, which is the longest I’ve ever had to wait for a box of fabric, but carry alot of Lululemon overstock, so the quality is top notch. This tank will wick sweat well, and the tie back gives more coverage, for those days when I don’t want to show alot of skin.
I hemmed this one “backwards” to show off my new coverstitch skillz, folding the hem allowance toward the right side of the fabric, and letting the reverse side of the coversttiching show. I also chose a contrast thread, because I was feeling daring.
I planned to put an Xpress logo (find the free cut file on the Greenstyle site), but chickened out when I couldn’t figure out how to press it on with my heat press without making a million creases, since it was already fully assembled. Next time, I’ll add the logo before I make the tank! Oh, well, I like it plain too!
I guess I’m really jones-ing for spring, bcause I chose another floral fabric, an atheltic brushed jersey, from Vinegar and Honey, for my last tank, again in the tie back style. I lowered the neckline on this last one a bit, to make up for the amount I was removing at the straps, and to make it nursing friendly (tired of hearing that phrase on my blog yet?).
I’m off for a jeans making workshop in Santa Cruz (more on that later!), but I can’t wait to hit the gym (or just putz around the house teaching first grade math) in my new tanks!
Grab the pattern on sale HERE through Sunday!
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